SKIRTS OVER JEANS ARE TOTALLY IN BECAUSE I SAID SO

Sunglasses: D&G; Blouse: J.Crew Haberdashery; Jeans: Paige Denim; Skirt: Burberry; Sandals: Steve Madden (Thanks @RachelThompson!) All photos by: Laura Damian

Woke up this morning in a conundrum "I really want to wear my Burberry skirt to work, but it's way too short." I think leggings under skirts are so 2010, I find tights to be incredibly uncomfortable/ugly/abhorrent and frankly innate, why don't you just wear pants? Then it came to me. Why don't I just wear pants? Jeans with holes paired with the classically preppy Burberry plaid and 'Kelly Green' J.Crew? Don't mind if I do. 

The outfit is more autumn than spring so I had to pair it with nude strappy sandals to bring it back from the foliage. A very special thanks to Rachel Thompson for completely outdoing herself yet again and sending me these sandals and inadvertently making this outfit possible. 

Take away message: SKIRTS OVER JEANS ARE TOTALLY IN BECAUSE I SAID SO

RVMVMBVR WHVN WV WVRV YOUNG?

Necklace: J.Crew; Vest: Krisa (via Gitane!); 'Remember When We Were Young Tank': Cotton On Santa Monica; Jeans: Paige; Leather/Suede Open Toed Booties: Schutz; Photos by: Laura Damian

Since I have recently embarked on this 25th year of life I feel I am now able to say, "RVMVMBVR WHVN WV WVRV YOUNG?" While replacing the "e's" with "v's" for no apparent reason whatsoever. I also can wear jeans with holes in them to my full-time job, I guess that makes my day job pretty cool huh? I chose wisely.

Truth is - you can really wear anything you want anywhere, as long as it's put together. Now let's not take it to extremes. Wearing a prom dress to Superman's Fortress of Solitude, or a Moncler jacket to a Jamaican Beach would be at the very least, vexatious. I have always been a massive fan of pairing high/low fashion. Most of the time that is in reference to wearing Prada with Target, but I think it works here as well. On it's own the commonly referenced, "bro tank", would look like I was walking straight into Fraturday Night. However, paired with the satin black vest and leather/suede booties - the look is put together, completely work appropriate AND fun. 

Always remember to be a baller, just because it's not 2003 you can still pop that collar..

So give the high/low fashion thing a try! In the wise words of Dr. Suess, 

“If you haven’t, you should. Because these things are fun and fun is good.”

— Dr. Seuss

I NEED A ROUTINE LIKE I NEED A HOLE IN MY HEAD

What is with routines? Why have I been consistently told throughout my 24 years of life by those that I thought knew what was best for me, "Kelly, you should really settle into a routine. Kelly you would feel so much better if your life was more routine".

Why is that? Why would settling into anything at 24 feel good? I'm not a person that needs routines to feel good about myself. I actually enjoy the unexpected, not planning every second of everyday. It is a trait I truly like about myself, I am quite fond of it in other people as well. 

The very definition of a routine is, "Performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason". Synonyms: standard, regular, customary, normal, usual, ordinary, typical. None of those words are remotely near what I strive to be, nor what I want out of my life. 2015 is going to be different. I am finally free. Free of all these voices of people that think they know what is best for me, when in fact they don't know me at all. 

Some routines are enjoyable. I listen to music on full-volume while lifting weights at the gym after work.  Walking to the kitchen every morning at the office with my colleagues. It's just something we do. I would say it is normal and typical, but it's also great. I suppose routines involving others/music are special. In fact, it doesn't feel routine at all. It feels fun. I was always told, "Kelly, you can't have fun all of the time". Well why not? Why can't I have fun all of the time? You should enjoy what you do for a living, and you should enjoy who you do it with. Every person you choose to interact with should make you feel amazing just by being around them. Don't sell yourself short. Don't settle for an average/routine life when you deserve an incredible one. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind". People will judge whatever you do - might as well do what you like.

xoxo

K

My other favorite F-Words: Floppy, Funky, Faux & Fun

Floppy Hat: American Apparel; Faux-fur Frock: RAGA; Stone Necklace: Madewell; Gold Necklace: J.Crew; T-Shirt: Old Blink-182 Band Tee; Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Jeans: AG; Maroon Suede Heeled Booties: Vince Camuto; All photos by: Kristine Constantino

Nothing says "Winter's coming.." quite like faux fur and suede booties paired with hats that cover the entire face. 

A question I routinely get asked about my outfits is: "How do you put it all together?" The answer is unfortunately very unequivocal and simple, unlike most everything else in life. There is no sorcerous ritual, no closet computer (a nod to Cher), it is as easy as picking a statement piece and working from there. My humble opinion is that each outfit needs a statement piece, sometimes even more than one. This piece can be any article of clothing or accessory, as long as it draws in the eye, is more captivating than other parts of the outfit, and reflects your fun personality to some degree. Example: My faux-fur creature of a jacket.

Now to the funky & fun: Something about floppy hats is intrinsically 70's to me. The age of funk. I searched the world over for an excellent floppy hat. I always came up empty until I was in LA, happened to have consumed a few too many mimosas, and stumbled into an American Apparel in Manhattan Beach. Not exactly a recipe for making stellar purchases (I also bought $18 sunscreen), but when you know you know.  

Suede, the fabric of November, December, January. Don't let anyone tell you different, you heard it hear first. Maroon goes as well with gold in the festive months as Marc Jacobs does with creative direction for Louis Vuitton year-round. A match so perfect, you cannot imagine what one is like without the other. You don't want to either. 

Cheers to turning our backs on 2014 and looking forward to 2015. A quote from one of my favorite authors:

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

— C.S. Lewis